Category Students
Earlier this week, I attended a conference for one of my other classes, led by former US Ambassador to the Netherlands, the Honorable Cynthia Schneider. She spoke about cultural diplomacy, which is essentially the art of exchange and engagement between… Continue Reading →
The incredible dance of Sheema Kermani As Sheema Kermani graciously swiped the air with her palms and gently touched the floor with her bare feet, I could not help but wonder about the connection of her rhetoric and the… Continue Reading →
Watching this video, you know who the designated enemy is: The Israeli occupation army. Yet, Residente (lead vocalist of Calle 13) does not make it so simple. His lyrics do not vilify one group of people, but rather acknowledges… Continue Reading →
Religious female Muslim athletes trying to find a way of dressing modestly while still competing in high-level sporting events like the Olympics are getting a new and surprising ally: Nike. The American sportswear giant announced the “Pro Hijab,” a head covering… Continue Reading →
Warning: this became a jumbled thought-experiment, and therefore may not prove coherent. Apologies. In class last Monday, we spent a good portion of our Tangier discussion (led wonderfully by Kai, hats off) speaking about ideals of tourism and representation. Focusing on… Continue Reading →
In studying gnawa rituals, trance culture, and fusion music movements over the past couple weeks, we briefly touched on the legend of Aisha Kandisha. However, given the feminist undertones of our class, I was surprised and disappointed that we did not… Continue Reading →
One Thousand and One Nights: Re-orienting the greatest story ever told In the words of Syed Jamil Ahmed, the collection of One Thousand and One Nights or the Arabian Nights is the most famous example of Arabic literature globally…. Continue Reading →
Maziyar “Maz” Jobrani is an Iranian-American comedian and actor who is part of the “Axis of Evil” comedy group. The group appeared on a comedy special on Comedy Central. Jobrani has also appeared in numerous films, television shows, including… Continue Reading →
New video by Syrian-American Mona Haydar, in which she reprimands those who critique and exoticize the hijab. Surrounded by hijabis of various backgrounds, she provides a powerful visual and aural rebuttal to those who simplify the hijab and… Continue Reading →
I think I might have a problem with the international language of music I consider myself fortunate for participating in Yo-Yo Ma’s workshop with The Silk Road Ensemble a couple of days back. I found it quite humbling… Continue Reading →